Christmas Gift Guide: The Home Chef

Not only is Christmas a time for gifts, it’s a time to indulge in culinary bliss. For those of you who, like me, are blessed with an incredible home chef (a.k.a., my wife), here are some gifts for the foodies among you, all of which are sure to garner your loved one’s love and praise (while helping you continue to reap the rewards of their kitchen mastery).

Ruffoni Historia Copper Cookware Set

Do not be fooled by imitators, the only copper cookware under your tree this Christmas should be direct from the Italian Alps from the family-owned atelier, Ruffoni. The Ruffoni family has made hand hammered professionall copper cook ware for decades and have combined their passion for craftsmanship and technology into the creation of hand-worked copper cookware. There is simply nothing else like it and the Historia Collection is, in my opinion, the shining example of their extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you have a chef in your life or someone that just appreciates beauty, the Ruffoni Historia Collection is easily at the top of their Christmas list. $2,000+

Ruffoni Historia

Global GF Knives

Chefs will agree that when it comes to slicing and dicing, you are only as good as your knives, so consider the gift of razor sharp perfection this Christmas. Global knives are made from the finest stainless steel material, Ice tempered and then hardened to Rockwell C56°-58° – this ensures a long-lasting razor sharp edge. Imported from Japan, Global Knives, like the Samurai swords before them, are carefully weighted to ensure perfect balance in the hand, making it an extension of the cook. I’d recommend gifting a full set but if you can only give one this Christmas, start with a Chef’s knife. $150+

Global GF Knives

Vitamix Professional Series 750

Give the gift of not only the most versatile kitchen appliance but one that promotes better health. There are several Vitamix options to choose from but why not choose the best. The Professional Series 750 is a combination of pro quality and power but with none of the noise and even better looking. There are five pre-programmed settings, including a self-cleaning option and a Variable Speed Dial and Pulse feature to allow you to precisely chop and mix ingredients to your exact specifications, making this blender the ultimate sous chef for your home kitchen. This is one gift you can give with confidence and without a gift receipt this year. $639

Vitamix

John Boos Tenmoku Cutting Board

John Boos is known for their functionally beautiful cutting boards and no gift list, or kitchen, is complete without them. As far as choosing which Boos Block is right for you or for your gift recipient, it’s not easy as there are so many pieces to love. The Tenmoku Cutting Boards area good start however and come in sizes perfect for the smallest kitchens to the largest. Named after an ancient tenmoku glase used in asian pottery, the U.S. made cutting boards come in either Hard Rock Maple or American Black Walnut and colors similar to those of tenmoku pottery. The indented juice groove is designed to resemble the tenmoku tea bowls and will hold liquid until poured off. $139+

Boos Block

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

The absolute most versatile piece of cookware in the kitchen is a cast iron skillet, and they don’t get better than those made by Lodge. We love the Lodge 12-inch skillet – it’s the perfect size for almost anything you’re cooking, from eggs and bacon to a whole chicken. With proper seasoning, they’re naturally non-stick; you can use them both on the stove or in the oven; and if you take care of it, it will outlive you. Best of all, they’re made entirely in the U.S.A.. $35